David O'Keefe

Who was David O'Keefe?

David Dean O'Keefe was an Irish immigrant from Savannah, Georgia, who become a historical and political figure on the South Pacific island of Yap.

He left the United States in 1871 for the South Pacific. After landing on Yap he became powerful by using tools from Hong Kong and East Asia to more easily create Rai stones; however, the easier ability to make the stone money ultimately helped lead to its decline during the period of German rule. Still the wealth allowed him to own an island, of which he was considered "king". Reportedly he had his own emblem, which showed the US flag waving over the letters "O K." He ultimately accepted a Yapese wife as well, despite already having a wife and daughter in Savannah.

In 1901 he died on the ship Santa Cruz returning to Savannah.

His Majesty O'Keefe is the story of O'Keefe's life on Yap. A film of the same name starring Burt Lancaster was made in 1954.